The new rules are part of the administration’s vocal interest in protecting men accused of sexual assault and removing protections from survivors

The proposed rules would weaken Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education. The changes give more rights to people accused of committing sexual assault and harassment at schools. The rules continue President Trump and the administration’s pattern of casting doubt upon survivors of sexual assault. Earlier this year, Trump decried sexual assault allegations against then-Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh: “It’s a very scary time for young men in America when you can be guilty of something you may not be guilty of.”

Rape is the most underreported crime, with 77% percent of sexual assaults going unreported.

Five Thirty-Eight

Survivors of sexual harassment and assault need more — not less — protections.

Shame, self-doubt, fear of retaliation, and distrust in the justice system already contribute to the fact that less than 10% of sexual assault victims on college campuses report the assault. Among reported cases, only a fraction lead to arrests, let alone trials. These fears can keep victims silent for years.

“

I was afraid that I would walk in my front door, and they would all be sitting there… After a week of not seeing him... I thought: You're safe now.

”

College student

She used Title IX protections through her school to keep her abusive ex and his friends away from her apartment